Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
IUCN Red List StatusLeast Concern
Hippotragus equinus
The roan antelope, scientifically known as Hippotragus equinus, is a remarkable and distinctive species that holds a prominent place in the animal kingdom.
It is known for its stately appearance, with a robust build, a reddish-brown to greyish coat, and distinct facial markings. It also has long, gently curved horns that sweep back and slightly upward. The horns can grow up to 1 metre in length and are extensions of bone covered in keratin, meaning they cannot grow back once lost.
If two males are challenging each other for dominance over a herd, they will fight fiercely by repeatedly clashing their horns together until one surrenders. They are mainly hunted by lions and leopards, and the positioning of their eyes on the sides of their head helps them detect approaching predators. Their long, powerful legs allow them to escape quickly, enabling them to reach high speeds.
Roan antelopes live in groups of up to 35, a mix of females and young, all led by a single male who defends the herd from rival males.
There are quite large numbers of these antelope in the wild, mainly in West and Central Africa, but conservationists and zoos like ours are still concerned about their future survival.
For in some parts of the world where they were once commonly found, there are now only a handful left. In Burundi and Eritrea, for instance, there are no known Roan Antelope remaining, while in Uganda and Kenya they have also been almost completely wiped out.
This is due to a combination of hunting and agricultural development taking over large areas of land where the antelope would otherwise live. They are also affected by climate change, as herds need nutritious grazing grasses and a regular water source to survive.
So it is important for us to continue monitoring numbers of Roan Antelope in the wild. The strongest, healthiest herds are mainly in protected conservation areas and national parks.
